Why Are Japanese Trains So Quiet?

Hello, I’m Hirossy.

When people from other countries visit Japan and ride a train, one thing may surprise them.

“Why are Japanese trains so quiet?”

Of course, not every train in Japan is always completely quiet.
Some trains are crowded, and some places can feel a little noisy, depending on the time and area.

But in general, many people on Japanese trains spend their time quietly.

As an ordinary Japanese dad, I often use trains in two situations.
One is in the morning when I go to work.
The other is at night when I come home after a drinking party.

And every time I ride a train, I feel this:

“Japanese trains are quiet, both in the morning and at night.”

In this article, I would like to gently explain why Japanese trains are so quiet.

The Main Reason: People Care About Others Around Them

The simple answer is this:

Many people try not to bother others.

I think this is one of the biggest reasons why Japanese trains are quiet.

It is not only a strict rule.
It is more like a feeling of care for people around you.

Many different people ride the train.

Some people are going to work.
Some students are going to school.
Some people are tired and sleeping.
Some people are traveling.
Some people may not feel well.

Because many people share the same space, many Japanese people think:

“I should try not to disturb other people’s time.”

This way of thinking is very common in Japan.

In Japan, Public Places Are Often Quiet

In Japan, people often try to stay quiet in public places.

For example, libraries, hospitals, buses, waiting rooms, and trains are usually quiet places.

Trains are also a very normal part of daily life in Japan.

In big cities, many people use trains to go to work or school.
In the morning, some people still look sleepy.
Some people are preparing their mind before work.

At night, many people are tired after a long day.

I sometimes ride the train after a drinking party.
Even at night, the train is usually quiet.

People look at their phones, close their eyes, or just spend time quietly.

People from other countries may think:

“Is it okay to talk more?”

That is a natural feeling.

But in Japan, many people see the train as a quiet shared space.

Talking on the Phone Is Usually Not Good Manners

One important train manner in Japan is about smartphones.

Many people put their phones on silent mode when they ride the train.

Also, talking on the phone inside the train is usually not good manners.

Of course, sometimes there are people who talk on the phone.
But even then, they often speak in a very small voice.

I think this is because many people know that phone voices can be heard easily by others.

It is okay to talk with your friends on the train.
But many people speak quietly.

If you ride a train in Japan, it is better not to talk on the phone.
If you really need to call someone, it may be better to get off the train first and talk at the station.

Quiet Does Not Mean Cold

There is one thing I want to explain.

Japanese trains are quiet, but it does not mean Japanese people are cold.

In Japan, many people think about how their actions affect others in public places.

For example, if you talk loudly on the train, you may be having fun.
But the person next to you may be tired.

The same is true for music from earphones.
You may enjoy the music, but the sound may bother other people.

So I think the quiet atmosphere on Japanese trains is not because people do not care about others.

It is the opposite.

It comes from the idea of:

“I do not want to disturb other people.”

My Experience as a Dad

My youngest son loves trains.

When he rides a train, he gets very excited.
For a child, riding a favorite train is a very fun experience.

But there are other passengers on the train.

So I sometimes tell him:

“Let’s be a little quiet on the train.”

Of course, he is still a child.
It is not easy for children to stay completely quiet.

But I think it is important to teach them little by little.

There is one more thing I often teach him.

It is this:

“Do not put your shoes on the seat.”

Children sometimes want to put their feet up.
But train seats are places where other people sit too.

Thankfully, my son listens to this rule well.

When I see that, I think:

“What parents teach again and again really stays in a child’s mind.”

Train manners are not learned in one day.
Children learn them little by little from family, school, and daily life.

Quiet Scenes You May See on Japanese Trains

On Japanese trains, you may often see people spending time like this.

Some people look at their phones.
Some people read books.
Some people listen to music with earphones.
Some people close their eyes and rest.
Some people talk quietly with friends or family.

In the morning, many people quietly spend their own time.

At night, many people look tired after work or after going out.
So the quiet train can sometimes feel calm and comfortable.

Of course, trains are not always perfectly quiet.

Trains going to sightseeing spots may be a little lively.
Trains with many families on holidays may also be a little noisy.

So Japanese trains are not always silent.

But I think many people try to stay quiet as much as possible.

Friendly Advice for Travelers in Japan

If you ride a train in Japan, you do not need to worry too much.

The most important thing is to care a little about the people around you.

For example:

Put your phone on silent mode.
Try not to talk on the phone.
Talk in a smaller voice.
Be careful that your earphones are not too loud.
Try not to take too much space with your bags or feet.

If you keep these things in mind, that is enough.

If you ride the train with children, you do not need to make them perfect.

Children may get excited.
Their voices may become loud.

In that case, you can gently say:

“Other people are here too, so let’s use a smaller voice.”

Japanese parents also worry about this when they ride trains with children.
So please do not feel too nervous.

Please Enjoy the Difference in Culture

The atmosphere on trains is different in every country.

In some countries, people enjoy talking on trains.
In some places, trains feel lively and friendly.

That is also a wonderful part of that culture.

Japanese trains are quiet, and that is one part of Japanese daily life.

It does not mean quiet is always better.
It does not mean lively trains are bad.

It is just a cultural difference.

In Japan, many people have this idea:

“In a shared place, I should care a little about other people.”

If you know this background, riding trains in Japan may feel easier and more comfortable.

Conclusion

Japanese trains are quiet not only because there are strict rules.

In many cases, it comes from this feeling:

“I do not want to bother other people.”
“I want everyone to feel comfortable in this shared space.”

In the morning and at night, Japanese trains are often quiet.

This quiet atmosphere shows a little part of Japanese daily life and public manners.

Of course, every person, family, and area is different.

But when you visit Japan, I hope you can see the quiet train atmosphere as one part of Japanese everyday culture.

A Japanese train is not only a way to move from one place to another.

It is also a shared space for many people.

If you care a little about the people around you, you may feel closer to Japanese daily life.